HARARE – Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani Chokurongerwa has been sentenced to five years in prison for leading the attack on police officers, journalists and members of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe members at his shrine last year.
Harare Magistrate Mr Milton Serima set aside one year on condition of good behaviour. He will serve an effective four years behind bars.
Mufani said he was being “fixed” by Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Bishop Johannes Ndanga for refusing to pray for him and former Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru so they could take over leadership of the country.
He said Ndanga summoned him to his offices where he claimed that he had classified information that President Mugabe was going to step down, with Dr Mujuru taking over while he (Ndanga) deputised her.
Mufani also claimed that Bishop Ndanga said the country was sick and tired of being led by non-Christians hence the need for God-fearing people like Dr Mujuru and him to take over. Until last week, Dr Mujuru was matron of ACCZ headed by Bishop Ndanga.
Mufani was charged with public violence after members of his sect last year attacked journalists, police officers and Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe officials who had gone to shut down his church over allegations of child and women abuse.
Eleven of Mufani’s followers are serving four-year jail terms each after they were convicted on the same charge.
